ICC World Cup 2015: Dhawan's century helps India maintain unbeaten run with victory over Ireland

Shikhar Dhawan scored his second century of the World Cup against IrelandGetty

India have managed an easy win over Ireland in a Group B clash of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Tuesday.

Ireland were bowled out for 260 runs from 49 overs and it is the fifth time in a row India have bowled out their opposition, a feat the defending champions achieved for the first time in their ODI history.

Shikhar Dhawan (100) scored his second century of the World Cup and he was supported by Rohit Sharma's knock of 64 runs that helped India get off to a good start. They posted a partnership of 174 runs, which is India's best partnership for the opening wicket in the World Cup.

An unbeaten knock from Virat Kohli (44) from Ajinkya Rahane (33) helped India reach the target in the 37th over. The latest win helps MS Dhoni to move to the second place on the table of captains with more number of consecutive wins in the World Cup.

Dhoni has nine wins in a row and has joined two-time World Cup winning West Indian captain Clive Lloyd. He can extend his record when India take on Zimbabwe for the last group stage fixture on 14 March.

Meanwhile, Dhawan was named the man of the match for his 100 off 85 deliveries. India top the Group B table and are unbeaten in their World Cup campaign so far.

Ireland need to win in the final fixture against Pakistan on March 15, if they have to retain any hope of qualifying for the quarter finals of the World Cup.

A defeat for them will then depend on the result between West Indies and the United Arab Emirates to see if they qualify for the next round of the tournament.